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The Penalty Box: Not-so-hot for teacher

Thursday, 01.17.2008 / 9:00 AM / Crashing the Net

By Shawn P. Roarke - NHL.com Senior Managing Editor


Well, it appears that the CTN community is alive and well as 2008 builds into a full head of steam. The mailbag was packed this week, especially with responses to CTN’s mid-term grades for the Eastern Conference. And, not only have the numbers returned, but also the attitude that makes CTN such a unique community. More than one person has taken CTN to task this week for his grades. Way to keep CTN on its toes, boys and girls.

Aside from the redaction to the midterms marks in the East, the Penalty Box deals with discussions about Coach of the Year, Rookie of the Year, the Penguins needs at the trade deadline, the current state of the Anaheim Ducks and countless other topics.

As always, enjoy the passionate and intelligent posts of your fellow readers. And, if you feel compelled to join the discussion, feel free to e-mail CTN at [email protected]. Remember to include your name and hometown if you want to appear in a future edition of the Penalty Box. Have a great hockey week!

Gee, you sure are a difficult grader. Two teams score below a C?? Are you the Joe Theismann of the NHL? I guess every team is at or exceeding expectations so far. Who knew? Oh, you did I guess.
-- Dan Iliff

Dan, CTN doesn’t know where you went to school, but CTN is sure glad he didn’t go there. CTN thought he had it tough at ol’ Bishop Hendricken back in Rhode Island where he was ridden pretty hard by the Christian Brothers and had to work to get his B’s and A’s. But it sounds like you had a far more difficult and exacting experience. How many teams would you like to be below the break-even mark? All but two teams in the East are within seven points of a playoff spot with half the season gone. If you are within a playoff spot at midterms, it’s hard to imagine a failing grade being your reward. Maybe CTN is a softy, but CTN believes he will get more out of his “class” in the second half because of his first-half leniency. And, by the way, is being compared to Joe Theismann supposed to be some sort of insult? He is one of football’s great QBs and he played his high-school ball at tiny South River High School in New Jersey, not too far from CTN’s current hacienda. In fact, CTN saw South River play in this year’s NJSIAA football playoffs.

***

Funny, all of you so-called hockey "experts" predict the Islanders to finish at the bottom of the pile and halfway through the season they are within 6 points of their division lead -- which is a division that isn't close to being decided -- and are in a playoff spot. Still they only get a C. Yet, you grade the Penguins --  who, if not for a very recent win streak, would be well out of a playoff spot – an A. Gotta love the bandwagon media - drives all of us real hockey fans up the wall.
--Pam Freeburg

Funny, Pam, CTN was quite bullish on the Islanders at the start of this season, believing the aggressive moves the club made – see the signings of Bill Guerin and Mike Comrie – coupled with the goaltending of Rick DiPietro and coaching of Ted Nolan, would make the Isles a force this year. So, CTN is not one of those “experts” that drip so sarcastically from your lips. In fact, if CTN believed the Isles were going to be also-rans, they would get high marks for their performance so far. But CTN is sorry if a .500 record (22-22) overall and a losing record on the road (9-13) is good enough for you, but it does not merit more than a mediocre grade in the eyes of CTN. Let’s not even discuss the fact that the team has scored the fewest goals in the division – and the League, for that matter – and allowed the most goals in its division. CTN may be a quote/unquote “expert” Pam, but even an “expert”’ would have trouble explaining away those raw facts and granting anything more than a “C.” As for the Pens, they get an A because CTN did not believe in them at the start of the regular season. CTN believed that there were too many holes on the blue line and in goal to counteract the brilliance of Crosby and Pittsburgh’s other young guns. So, the fact that the Penguins are vying for the division lead in mid January is a major revelation to CTN; hence, the laudatory grade. Enjoy your climb up the wall, Pam

Mr. Roarke,
I just finished reading your article entitled The Opening Faceoff: Mid-term grades. I would just like to tell you how much I enjoyed it, not only as a hockey fan, but also as a second-year college student. I am currently writing on staff for my school's newspaper, and would like to try to take more unique approaches like the one you took here. Although I loved the article, I am eagerly looking forward to your critique of the ever-mighty Detroit Red Wings. I hope to read something along the lines of how they have the best chance at finishing "at the top of the class" this year. Thank you very much for taking your time to read this, and have a great day.
-- Randy Hauck

Randy, if you read last week’s Penalty Box than you know that I am one of those experts – there’s that word again – that thinks that Detroit is the greatest thing since sliced bread. At least that is the take of the so-called NHL scout that took time out of his evaluation to write to CTN. Thank you for your compliments about the style of Crashing the Net. CTN tries to take stylistic risks in this space regularly. Sometimes they are the equivalent of a hat trick and sometimes they are like an own goal. But, in writing, like all things, the greater the risk, the greater the potential reward. Good luck with your own writing career. CTN wishes you all the best.

Shawn,
I have only recently become a regular reader of Crashing the Net, but let me compliment you on your work. It truly makes my lunch break in front of the computer more enjoyable. My question is, what, if any, moves can you see the Penguins making before the trade deadline? They have been playing so well of late, I would hate to see their new-found chemistry disrupted. This isn't to say I lack faith in GM Ray Shero's judgment, as he appears to have a good grasp on the delicate balance of winning now and building for the future. Thanks and looking forward to your response.
-- Steve, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Ty Conklin
Robert, flattery will get you everywhere. It just landed you a prime spot in the Penalty Box, in fact. You are far too kind and CTN may begin to blush from the effusive praise being sent his way. Fortunately, realists like Pam and Dan from earlier keep my head from growing any bigger than its naturally epic 7-5/8 size. As for the Penguins and the trade deadline, the possibilities are virtually endless. In the end, it will come down to how much management believes that Pittsburgh has a chance at running the table. Can they be good enough to beat Ottawa in a long series? The battled-tested Devils? And, Detroit – among others -- in the West? If Shero and Co., answer in the affirmative than the club must be aggressive at the deadline because it doesn’t have the horses right now to make a long run in the postseason. Ty Conklin has been brilliant since his arrival, but he was on the scrap heap for a reason. Mainly, hockey evaluators lost confidence in his ability to win consistently. Now, is he so much improved that he can win 16 pressure-packed games before a more experienced goalie? CTN thinks not. So, the club will have to look at adding a goalie. A No. 3 or No. 4 defensemen should also be a priority as that acquisition would slot the rest of the team’s defenders into more appropriate roles. Finally, the club should look at a scoring veteran to ride shotgun for Sidney. The only way to see Crosby reach his full potential in the postseason is to surround him with finishers. And as we all know, scoring in the regular season is hard; but scoring in the playoffs is far more difficult.

I enjoyed reading your 'mid term review' article on the NHL site. I do have a question though: How could you give the Leafs a passing grade? This is a team that has shown that it has yet to adapt to the new NHL. The Leafs continue to apply the same strategy they used under the old NHL (not that it worked well back then), to the new NHL. As a result they have missed the playoffs two years in a row, and are currently sitting in 14th place in the Eastern Conference. I may not be the biggest Leafs fan, but I'm anxious to see a Canadian team win the Cup. The Leafs can afford to explode their team. Their fans will not only stay loyal through a rebuilding process, but at this point are justified in asking for it, want it, and deserve it. Please stop sugarcoating the Leafs, and providing false hopes. This only extends the suffering, and the circus act that the Leafs currently are.
All the best
-- Paul Gallien

Paul, a most sound question you ask. In CTN’s defense, it must be said that last week’s grades were posted before the Leafs staggered home from a disastrous West Coast road trip that put them much deeper in the hole than before they left. CTN still believes that Toronto can pull it out and challenge for the playoffs – it is only eight points adrift even after the most recent disaster – but the positive movement must start immediately. And, CTN is not sure that can happen in the present environment. CTN is not guilty of sugarcoating. There is still hope. But, if the Leafs continue underachieving at their current pace, CTN will have no choice but to fail the club at the year-end marking period.

It seems everyone in the media is in love with Roberto Luongo and Pascal Leclaire, both solid goalies in their own right, but I feel two are missing the spotlight. Nabokov in San Jose has been an iron man in net for the Sharks. But, my biggest gripe is the lack of respect Chris Osgood has received in the press. I mean he leads in GAA and Save Percentage. Sure, he's behind the best defense in the game right now, but think of it this way; Detroit gives up an insanely low amount of shots per game, so the goalie has to make sure the ones that do get through the defense stop at him, this usually means breakaways, defensive breakdowns, and odd-man rushes, a.k.a the hardest situations for goalies. Ozzie, in my humble opinion, has stolen the starting spot from the ancient Dominator (could he please retire?). I mean, what more does this guy have to do to get some love? He's won two Cups, won a Jennings Trophy with Vernon (he might do it again with Dom) and has gone to the All-Star game multiple times. Yet, he is still looked at as the No. 2 guy in Hockeytown and can’t seem to get any respect in the media. What gives CTN?
-- Travis, Ypsilanti, Mich.

Chris Osgood
Travis, CTN has not been negligent in giving Osgood his props, that’s for sure. As for the media, it is part of that cadre of bandwagon media that drives “real” fans up the wall. You mean you didn’t know that? Come on, man; get with the program! Seriously, though, I think that Osgood is getting the credit he deserves, although your argument about Osgood’s effectiveness with a team that significantly limits shots-against is pretty similar to the argument that people used to damn New Jersey’s Martin Brodeur all these years. So, be careful with how you legitimize Ozzie’s numbers. Osgood, along with Nabokov, have been selected to play in next weekend’s All-Star Game, so it is kind of hard to say that they have been left out of the spotlight. But, CTN does see – and respect – your point, Travis.

Your mid-season gradings were great, teacher. A little surprised that the Penguins got an A, though. If I was doing my gradings, I would have given them a B+ rather than an A. By no means do they deserve the same grade as Ottawa and, I'm sure, the Red Wings, who will receive an A. Those are the only two teams worthy in my eyes of an A because they are tearing up the League. I can understand your points though because they have kept up the success that they had last year. However, they still are not having the season that the Sens and Wings are having. With half the season done, I have heard people talking about early-season awards, and for the Jack Adams I am hearing a lot of Mike Babcock, Ron Wilson, and John Paddock. It surprises me that nobody has thrown Brent Sutter into the mix. Coming in as a rookie head coach to the League with a team many people counted out, but turning the Devils into their typical selves. He has gotten the most out of every player on the Devils roster and I think that makes a great coach. It is usually given to the coach that has contributed the most to the teams' success, and I think without Sutter, the Devils might not be where they are. Those other coaches have all done a great job, but I definitely think Brent Sutter deserves to be thrown in there. Would you agree that Brent Suter could be an early candidate for the Jack Adams' award?
Hope you're treating your children by bringing them to the Rock and raising them the right way, as Devils fans! Thanks and keep up the great work!
-- Jill Tullo, N.J.

Jill, both CTN’s son and daughter will be allowed to root for whomever they like in hockey. Papa CTN, who is neutral in all matters hockey, does not care whom the offspring support in hockey, as long as they support the game. That, however, does not go for other sports. Despite living in New Jersey for the past two decades Papa CTN will be heartbroken if his progeny ever express any fondness for the New York Yankees or New York Jets at the expense of the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox. As for coach Sutter, CTN thinks he is a clear-cut candidate for Coach of the Year consideration. Like you, CTN believes that Sutter has adjusted amazingly fast to a League that can break even the most accomplished coaches. Aside from the coaches you mentioned, CTN would also throw Pittsburgh’s Michel Therien, Minnesota’s Jacques Lemaire, St. Louis’ Andy Murray and Washington’s Bruce Boudreau into the discussion.

I have to say, I have watched hockey each and every season, but I became an avid fan of hockey last season when I purchased tickets to the Stanley Cup and therefore became a season seat holder for the Anaheim Ducks, I love the sport. Now, take it we don't live in the icy cold like those on the right coast (we are on the left coast), but we still love our hockey. We may be new to hockey, but we still love our Ducks. Now, on to the Winter Classic. Wasn't it apropos that Sidney Crosby scored the winning goal in the shootout? Could it have not gone any other way for the youngster to do it. I LOVED watching the Winter Classic. I hope this will become an annual tradition, and that it moves each any every year to get all the teams to play. The Ducks will make the playoffs, no matter what anyone's crystal ball says. The Ducks are a tough team, they have made mistakes, but so have all the other teams -- including the Red Wings. Just look at what happened to the Red Wings last night, they lost in a shootout against the Wild in Detroit. Miracles to happen. GO DUCKS!
--Kathy Bartholomew, Redondo Beach, Calif.

Wow, everyone it seems, has something against the Red Wings. Even in extolling the virtues of her Ducks, Kathy couldn’t help but compare them to Detroit. Yes, Kathy, the Ducks are a tough team – among the toughest in the League. They are physically intimidating and mentally resilient. That is a potent combination. But, they have also struggled for long periods this season, something that Detroit has not done. It’s hard to be in a slump when you have only lost nine times in regulation all year. Detroit is 13 points clear of the field in the West for a reason. Can Anaheim make the playoffs? Of course they can. Will they make the playoffs? Maybe. Does CTN think that, as of this moment, the postseason party will include the Ducks? No. Fortunately, there is half a season to change CTN’s mind and I wish Anaheim the best of luck in that task.

Hello again CTN,
I think that New Jersey deserved an A grade; otherwise, dead on.
Thank you for clearing up some of my roster issues but I’m afraid I have a couple more -- Bobby Ryan, and our trades, Bochenski and Sutherby. Ryan started the season with us, but after a few games was sent back to Portland because he didn’t seem to be up to NHL pace yet. Fair enough. We recall him and he scored at roughly a point every two games which, for a young rookie with only 13 NHL games total, is not bad. He also had what appeared to be some good chemistry with Doug Weight, and the fact that he was widely accepted as being pretty much at NHL pace this time around. Now, I just cannot see why we have sent him back down. As a team looking for secondary scoring, this would seem like a good time to let him really settle in and quite possibly provide us with that. I mean doesn't there come a time when you just have to say there's only so much maturing you can do in the minors (he's been named to the AHL all-stars) before you have to just throw them in at the deep end and make them NHL players. I have heard one possible reason, to clear room for Selanne, but we're hardly a team overwhelmed with top-notch scoring, I think we can just about find room for Ryan. Another less important issue is our trades. Now, I know they aren't really hurting us, but Brandon Bochenski, Brian Sutherby and a few of our other even less important trades such as Daryl Bootland, hardly solve our scoring problems and I just can’t see that they justify the time and money involved in organizing these minor trades. I hope you can enlighten me.
--Stuart, Oxford, England.

Bobby Ryan
Stuart, CTN always appreciates the opportunity to enlighten. And, CTN always likes talking about Bobby Ryan, one of CTN’s favorite young players. The thing with Ryan is that the Ducks don’t want him with the big club if he is not going to play a major role. They would rather see Ryan get 20-plus minutes of ice time per game in the AHL than 12 minutes in the NHL. That has been Brian Burke’s contention since the start of the season. The acquisition of Bochenski limited Ryan’s playing time as the club gives Bochenski an opportunity to show whether or not he has the goods to be a second-line scorer. CTN likes Bochenski and believes that he has yet to find his niche. Bochenski finished strong last year, after arriving in Boston, but was sort of lost in the reshuffle this season when Claude Julien took over. As for the other trades, it is never a waste of time to discuss personnel. In fact, that is what a GM is paid to do. Sometimes a move does not make immediate sense, but it needs to be understood in the context of the organizational depth chart, not just the needs of the parent club.

CTN,
In response to your predications, and everybody’s predictions that I’ve heard thus far, why is no credit given to Alex Edler for Calder? A surprise player for Vancouver, he is plus-18 this year, good for first among all rookies and ninth OVERALL in the League. Only one defenseman in the LEAGUE has a better +/- and that’s none other than Nicklas Lidstrom. This kid is calm, strong, fast, and an excellent puck mover. Thoughts?
--Brad, Vernon, British Columbia

Thoughts? My thoughts are that Alex Edler is a fine, young defenseman. He plays the game just like CTN likes to see the game played. But CTN doesn’t know that he is in the top 5 in Calder consideration, even with his impressive numbers. Yes, Edler’s plus/minus rating is impressive, but Dallas’ Matt Niskanen is a plus-14 and has more goals, assists and points than Edler. Tobias Enstrom, from Atlanta, has more points than Niskanen and plays five minutes more a game than either Niskanen or Edler. Yes, he is a minus-1, but that is the fourth best mark among Atlanta regulars. In the end, though, CTN believes it is a forward – most likely Patrick Kane – that will win this award, so the arguing about the merits of defensemen is somewhat moot, but still entertaining.

 

 
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